- PHIL BARONI SIGNS WITH ELITE XC

by MMAWeekly.com
Following a six-month suspension handed down from the California State Athletic Commission Phil Baroni has found a new home, signing a multi-year deal with EliteXC.

While details of the new contract were not disclosed, Baroni will still be allowed to compete for the Strikeforce promotion. There was no mention of Baroni’s involvement with World Victory Road in Japan, but as of Saturday night, he was still listed on the promotion’s official website for its first event, Sengoku, scheduled for March 5.

Baroni has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, as well as Pride Fighting Championships during his career, and now he will join the growing ranks of the EliteXC middleweight division.

“You know any Jersey boy like me likes a ‘New York Bad Ass’ and Phil’s definitely as bad as they come,” said EliteXC Live Events President Gary Shaw, who made the announcement Saturday. “Phil is a promoter’s dream. He’s a character but also as courageous a fighter as I’ve been around.”

The middleweight has always been seen as one of the flashiest and most charismatic fighters in the sport and his brand of fighting will add to the EliteXC roster.

“This is a great deal and opportunity. I appreciate EliteXC sticking with me and believing in me enough to sign me,” said Baroni.

He will make his EliteXC debut via the company’s Hawaii-based Icon promotion on March 15. Baroni will fight Kala Kolohe Hose for the Icon middleweight title that was stripped from Robbie Lawler on Saturday in a separate announcement made by Icon Sport president T.Jay Thompson.